{"id":82363,"date":"2024-10-11T20:51:01","date_gmt":"2024-10-11T20:51:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mailrelay.com\/glosario\/imap\/"},"modified":"2026-10-02T13:53:50","modified_gmt":"2026-10-02T13:53:50","slug":"imap","status":"publish","type":"glossary","link":"https:\/\/mailrelay.com\/en\/glossary\/imap\/","title":{"rendered":"IMAP"},"content":{"rendered":"

IMAP, an acronym for Internet Message Access Protocol<\/em>, is a protocol used for sending and receiving email. That is, it is used to access email stored on a web server from a local email client.<\/p>\n

The main advantage of the IMAP protocol is that the email is managed directly on the server itself, which means that the emails always remain on the server and are not downloaded to the computer locally.<\/p>\n

1. Differences between IMAP and POP3<\/h2>\n

Together with POP3, IMAP is one of the two most used protocols when setting up an email account, as both are compatible with current email clients.<\/p>\n

IMAP lets you manage email directly on the server, since messages always stay there and are not downloaded locally to the mail client<\/a>. IMAP is the most recommended option for accessing emails from different mail clients, or when multiple users need to manage the same inbox.<\/p>\n

In contrast to IMAP, the POP3 protocol downloads emails to the local computer and these are deleted from the server, so it is possible to read them even when there is no connection to the server.<\/p>\n

If the mailbox is accessed from different locations or devices, this is not the best choice. Similarly, POP3 reduces the server’s workload, which will save space, as messages will be downloaded to the user’s client.<\/p>\n

By default, the IMAP protocol works on ports 143 and 993. Port 143 is the default port for IMAP (unencrypted), while port 993 is the port used to connect via IMAP using a secure (encrypted) connection.<\/p>\n

By default, the POP3 protocol uses ports 110 and 995. Port 110 is the default port for POP3 (unencrypted), while port 995 is the port used for secure (encrypted) POP3 connections.<\/p>\n

2. Advantages and disadvantages<\/h2>\n

Let’s go through the advantages and disadvantages of using IMAP and POP3, in that order.<\/p>\n

IMAP<\/h3>\n

Its advantages are:<\/strong><\/p>\n